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Woman of Style: Elycia Rubin: Author of Frumpy to Foxy  in Fifteen Minutes Flat"  (Fair Winds Press, April 2005) 

Elycia Rubin knows more than a few things about looking foxy. Of course, being a Co-Author to one of the hottest books on the market right now doesn't hurt. Not only that, but being one of the original founders of The Style Network, working as the former Fashion Director for E! Entertainment Television, while currently acting as Executive Director of Programming and Development at Fox's Twentieth Television makes her the perfect choice for fashion advice that works.

Rubin has been a style voice in countless magazines and newspapers including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, People Magazine and Women's Wear Daily (WWD). We've caught up with her to give you that easy transition of Frumpy to Foxy up close....

FACTIO MAGAZINE: Describe your signature style.   
ELYCIA RUBIN: My style is classic and minimal with colorful, funky touches.  I live in jeans and cozy, long sleeve t-shirts worn with open toe heels.  Knee length skirts are also one of my favorite staples.  I love accessories - they punch up any outfit, from Missoni scarves and Miu Miu shoes to Balenciaga bags in vibrant colors and, of course, any of the foxy baubles by Lana Jewelry.

FM: Without giving too many secrets away, what are the top things a woman can do to go from frumpy to foxy?   
ER: It takes the same amount of time to put on a frumpy stretched out turtleneck, balloon-like pleated pants and scuffed loafers as it does to slip into a foxy pair of comfy jeans, a sexy button-down blouse, and stylish wedge sandals. If you have the right pieces, it takes no time at all to put yourself together. It helps to have options and in the book we offer several foxy looks for over 25 different life occasions. It's key to have a healthy stock of the right wardrobe staples and knowing what styles and shapes work on your body type. Double duty beauty products are also a foxy time saver such as a blush stick that doubles as lipstick.

FM: Define the fashion sense in LA.   
ER: Due to the sunny weather, Los Angeles has a more laid back and casual sense of fashion.  L.A. fashion is about jeans, sexy tops and fabulous open toe shoes.  It's also about the 2 piece hoody jacket and leisure pants with flip flops.  There is an enormous amount of design talent coming out of LA from the funky and eclectic to the more classic and elegant.   When it comes to style, LA truly has it all.

FM: What are your favorite shops? How about worldwide?   
ER: In L.A. my favorite shops are Planet Blue in Malibu for foxy basics, the contemporary department at Saks Fifth Avenue for a little bit of everything, and Satine for chic and unique pieces.  In Milan I love La Rinascente - an amazing department store, and I can't resist Bon Marche in Paris.

FM: Which lady (past or present) has impeccable style and why?   
ER: Jackie Kennedy is the foxiest lady of all.  Classic, elegant, poised.  No further explanation needed. 

FM: Do you think money and style go hand in hand or can style never be bought?  Is it something you just have? 
ER: Style is always up to the individual - how they carry themselves and the confidence they exude supersede all else.

FM: What key fashion pieces do you always have in your wardrobe? 
ER: Jeans, skirts, t-shirts, button down shirts, open toe shoes, boots, flat front pants, knee length dresses, flip flops, sneakers, colorful handbags, necklaces, braceletts and earrings.

FM: What is your biggest fashion vice? 
ER: Shoes, shoes and more shoes. I think i may need an intervention!

FM: What's a fashion no-no when attending special events, galas and more?   
ER: Big, puffy hair, ill-fitting gowns that suck the life out of you, a dress made of taffeta and lipstick on your teeth.

FM: What would people be most surprised to know about you?     
ER: If I could wear comfy, leisure wear everyday such as Sherry Nikka's Leisure Couture line, I would be in heaven.

FM: What are your own personal standards of beauty?   
ER: One of the foxiest things a woman can do is smile.  It's also important that we take good care of ourselves and get pampered - fortunately I'm good at that!  With the many things we juggle in our daily lives, we must always make room for sufficient "me time."  

Meet Elycia Rubin & Rita Mauceri in Chicago April 21st ....
Thursday, April 21st from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
hosted by Sephora (Michigan Avenue)

Thursday, April 21st from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
hosted by the W Hotel (City Center)

For more info about the book click here. Please visit www.frumpytofoxy.com.